Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 10, 1993 TAG: 9307100243
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LON WAGNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In choosing Williams to replace Vinton insurance executive Steve Musselwhite, Wilder ignored lobbying efforts by former state Sen. Granger Macfarlane and businessman Bittle Porterfield III, both Roanokers.
Musselwhite said that once the competition between Macfarlane and Porterfield became public, Wilder had little choice but to appoint someone not involved in the fracas.
"It was a no-win situation for either one of them," he said.
The Transportation Board is a powerful body that oversees state policy on highway development, railway issues and air travel. The board's decisions will be particularly crucial to Western Virginia during Williams' four-year term, since projects such as the "smart road" linking Virginia Tech and Interstate 81 and the widening of the interstate near Roanoke are under consideration.
Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Martinsville, described Williams as a prominent leader of the black community in Martinsville and Henry County. Williams is president of the Men's Roundtable, the formerly exclusively black civic organization known for sponsoring scholarships for local students.
Though Porterfield and Macfarlane were asking legislators and business leaders to lobby Wilder on their behalf, Williams said he did not ask for the job. Wilder asked Williams if he would be interested in the post, Williams said.
"I've never turned down a governor when they've asked something like this," he said.
Williams said he has been appointed to one board, committee, task force or other body under each governor since Mills Godwin. He is presently chairman of the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Problems, a position to which he was named shortly after Wilder was elected governor.
Armstrong said Williams is well-respected enough among state lawmakers and attorneys that his name has been mentioned for a future seat on the Virginia Supreme Court.
"He and the governor have been close over the years and they've had a good relationship," Armstong said. "I'm glad he got the appointment."
by CNB